North Carolina
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Nags Head Pier, North Carolina. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Fair. Steady 2-3ft waves on offer on ENE swell at 9s — glassy conditions. Expect the wind to bump up to around 16mph by PM.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Fair. Rideable all day with 2-3ft waves on ENE swell at 9s and 9mph from the SSW. Afternoon breeze fills in to 15mph.
Mon, May 18: 2–3ft, 8s period, rated Fair. Late morning into early afternoon looks best — 2-3ft with gentle SW breeze. It's a bit wonky first thing but settles down.
Tue, May 19: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Fair. Expect 2-3ft all day on ESE swell at 9s with 9mph SW winds — nothing amazing but surfable. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 18mph.
Wed, May 20: 2–3ft, 9s period, rated Fair. Expect 2-3ft all day on ESE swell at 8s with 9mph from the SW — nothing amazing but surfable. Afternoon breeze fills in to 21mph.
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Nags Head Pier is one of the OBX's most historically significant surf spots, with a lineage stretching back decades. The north side produces quicker, bowlier peaks for shortboarders while the south side delivers longer lefts favored by longboarders. NE swells provide the most consistent conditions, with December offering the highest percentage of clean rideable waves. The relaxed atmosphere is more welcoming than some of the more competitive OBX pier breaks.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Nags Head Pier is 2-3ft with a 8.7s swell period. Wind is SW at 7mph and conditions are rated Fair. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Nags Head Pier is 2-3ft, produced by a 1.9ft ENE primary swell at 9s, a 1.9ft SE secondary swell at 8s, a 0.6ft N tertiary swell at 4s, a 1.1ft S wind swell swell at 3s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Nags Head Pier is Sunday from 8 AM to 11 AM with 3ft waves, a 8.75s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Nags Head Pier works best with a NE swell and W winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Nags Head Pier. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Nags Head Pier is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Nags Head Pier is one of the OBX's most historically significant surf spots, with a lineage stretching back decades. The north side produces quicker, bowlier peaks for shortboarders while the south side delivers longer lefts favored by longboarders. NE swells provide the most consistent conditions, with December offering the highest percentage of clean rideable waves. The relaxed atmosphere is more welcoming than some of the more competitive OBX pier breaks.
The prime season at Nags Head Pier is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Nags Head Pier include pier pilings, strong currents near pier, occasional jellyfish. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Nags Head Pier forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
